If you’re in the SEO business, you know that getting a client ranked high on Google Maps is important for their local search rankings. But what you may not know is that there are multiple factors that affect your clients’ local search rankings. Those factors include proximity, prominence, and relevance. The more of these factors you have in place, the higher your clients will rank on Google Maps.
Having one of the top three spots in the Google Maps Pack can boost your client’s online visibility and lead to more sign-ups, website visits, calls, or other desired conversions. But getting there isn’t as easy as simply optimizing your Google My Business listing. The competition is stiff, and Google has been updating its algorithm to better serve its searchers. Keeping up with these changes is crucial.
One major change that took effect in 2021 was the introduction of what is known as a “map pack” or “local pack.” Instead of showing 7 business listings, Google now only shows 3 businesses. This small change made a huge impact on local SEO, and many SEOs began focusing solely on ranking in the local pack. However, the influx of new competitors meant that it became more difficult to secure one of the coveted spots in the local pack.
To help prevent spam and keep quality businesses in the local packs, Google has introduced several updates. In the most recent update, which was called Vicinity, Google brought prominence back into the mix. Prominence refers to how well-known a business is offline and online, and it encompasses everything from your company’s website organic positions and GMB reviews to social media presence and even backlinks.
Another way to improve your local search rankings is to enrich your website with relevant information through the use of schema markup. This will allow Google to easily read and interpret your site’s information, allowing it to rank you higher on Google Maps. This is especially effective for hotels and restaurants, but it can be helpful for any business that serves a geographic location.
Finally, it’s essential to build up a solid base of positive reviews for your business. Positive reviews can help boost your ranking in both Google My Business and the local pack. Reviews are also an important factor in determining your business’s star rating on Google Maps.
There are many other ways to optimize your business’s Google My Business listing and increase your chances of securing a spot in the local pack, including having a responsive website, posting frequently, and focusing on your link-building strategy. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting the results you want from your Google My Business optimization efforts.